Monday, November 12, 2012

Teaching Gratitude #3: Mama Learns {21 Days of Gratitude}

Today marks, basically, the
midway point of 21 Days of Gratitude. Not only am I teaching gratitude
to my son, but I am also learning about gratitude - particularly about
the value of creating a daily practice of gratitude. On this journey, it
is not only my boys who are growing, learning and reading along the way
-- Mama is too!

A gratitude focus engages
me in the Holiday season in a different way -- it helps me to be stress
free as I focus on the reality that being together as a family is an
abundant gift, the rest of it will sort itself out. It fosters in me
renewed energy about being engaged in our community this Thanksgiving
and about setting up a focus in December on presence rather than
presents (my 12 Days of Christmas - Presence Packet should be coming
soon!!). Gratitude begets gratitude, and that is a good thing.

1.
A friend - I am grateful to have many wonderful friends in my life.
Here, I will select Jessica who was my FIRST FRIEND EVER! (before we
were even 2). I love the woman she has become and cherish that we still
call each other every year for birthdays and celebrate each other as we
tackle new challenges in life.

8.
A skill/talent you possess - Circle back to #4 - being able to play the
piano. Though I may not do it daily anymore (I wish!), it is akin to
breathing for me in how sacred and valuable I consider this to be for me
to express myself and be at peace with the world. Troubles and cares
melt away when I play. Or how about gratitude for reading like Coffee Cups and Crayons?

9. A coworker/classmate - My hubby is my co-worker on a daily basis, so this one is easy.

10.
A restaurant - Padaro Beach Grill in Carpinteria - Seriously, it is
next to the ocean, has a giant sandbox for kids to play in and picnic
tables scattered around it on beautiful lush grass. Date night-ish
without the cost of a babysitter and with the joy of happy kids playing
nearby.

11.
Physical Activity you can do - I really enjoy the meditative practice
of running, even if lately I am not doing much of it. What
are you grateful for today? Are you participating in a daily gratitude
practice this month? Will you continue it beyond Thanksgiving?

"A gratitude focus engages me in the Holiday season in a different way -- it helps me to be stress free as I focus on the reality that being together as a family is an abundant gift, the rest of it will sort itself out."